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Norovirus Information

What are noroviruses?Noroviruses are a group of viruses
that cause gastroenteritis (GAS-tro-en-ter-I-tis), in people. Norovirus
is known incorrectly as the “stomach flu”.
Norovirus is NOT related to the flu (influenza), which is a respiratory
illness caused by a different virus. The term norovirus was recently approved
as the official name for this group of viruses; previously it had been
referred to as “Norwalk virus” or “Norwalk-like virus.”

What are the symptoms of a norovirus infection?Norovirus illness usually begins 24 - 48 hours after exposure, but can
appear as early as 10 hours after exposure. Symptoms usually include nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Sometimes people have a low-grade
fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.
The illness is usually brief, with symptoms lasting only 1 or 2 days.

How serious is norovirus disease?Norovirus disease is usually not serious, but people may feel very sick.
Most people get better within 1 or 2 days, and have no long-term health
effects from the illness. Sometimes people are unable to drink enough liquids
to replace what they lose from vomiting and diarrhea, and they can become
dehydrated and need to see a doctor. This problem usually occurs only among
the very young, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.

How is norovirus spread?
Noroviruses are very contagious and spread easily from person to person.
The virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People
can become infected in several ways, including eating food or drinking
liquids that are contaminated by infected food handlers, touching surfaces
or objects contaminated with norovirus and then touching their mouth
before hand washing, or having direct contact with another person who
is infected and then touching their mouth before hand washing.

How long are people contagious?
People infected with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin
feeling ill to at least 3 days after recovery. Some people may be contagious
for as long as 2 weeks after recovery. Therefore, good hand washing is
important. Persons infected with norovirus should not prepare food while
they have symptoms and for 3 days after they recover. Infected people
do not become long-term carriers of norovirus.

Who gets norovirus infection?
Anyone can become infected with these viruses. Because there are many different
strains of norovirus, infection and illness can re-occur throughout a
person’s lifetime.

What treatment is available for people with norovirus infection?
Currently, there is no specific medication or vaccine for norovirus. Norovirus
infection cannot be treated with antibiotics. By drinking fluids, such
as juice or water, people can reduce their chance of becoming dehydrated.
Sports drinks do not replace the nutrients and minerals lost during this
illness.

Do infected people need to be excluded from school, work or daycare?
Since the virus is passed in vomit and stool, children should not go to
daycare or school while they have diarrhea or vomiting. Once illness
ends, children can return to daycare, but hand washing must be strictly
monitored. Persons who work in nursing homes, take care of patients,
or handle food should stay out of work until at least 48-72 hours after
symptoms end.

Can norovirus infections be prevented?
You can decrease your chances of becoming infected with norovirus by:

Frequent hand washing with warm water and soap (alcohol based hand sanitizers
do NOT work against norovirus)